FOWLER — Residents are preparing to celebrate the 94th anniversary of one of Fowler’s longest-running community traditions.
The Fowler Fall Festival returns on Oct. 3 with the theme of “Día de los Muertos.” It’ll include food vendors, live music and a parade packed with over 50 local and countywide organizations. The festival’s signature parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Merced Street and will include appearances by elected officials, including Congressman Jim Costa and Fowler Mayor Juan Mejia.
The parade will also recognize several community members for their contributions to the city.
Roy Alatorre will serve as the 2026 Grand Marshall. Alatorre was named Citizen of the Year earlier this month for his longtime service on the Fowler Recreation Commission. During his time on the commission, he helped organize local car shows, the city’s Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony and volunteered with local churches.
The late-Leonard Hammer was named 2026 Honored Pioneer, and his family will accept the honor on his behalf at the festival. Hammer died on Aug. 21 of this year after retiring from over 12 years of service on the Fowler city council. He was recognized for his work after his passing with a key to the city at this year’s State of the City and Citizen Recognition Gala.
Fowler High School teacher Jayleen Budwig will be honored with the Spirit Award, while senior Sophia Tovar will be crowned the Fall Festival Queen.
Tovar said she is thankful for the opportunity to represent her homework and hopes to give back to her community. She said that she plans to pursue a future career in speech pathology, in a statement on the festival website.
After the parade, guests can make their way to Panzak Park for the rest of the festival, which will feature local food vendors and live music from the Fresno-based Mariachi El Caporal.
The festival is sponsored by the Fowler Lions Club, the local chapter of an international public service organization uniting volunteers who look to improve their local neighborhoods and take on global challenges.
The Fowler Lions Club is a longtime staple of the community and organizes events that aim to “make a difference” in the lives of residents, according to their website. For the past 90 years, the organization has improved public spaces, conducted food giveaways and blood drives, as well as awarded scholarships.
